Rugby Union: Littleborough U14s 26 - 29 Sedgley Park U14s

Littleborough RUFC

Littleborough and Sedgley Park under 14s met earlier this season in the Lancashire cup with Littleborough coming out on top by a single point (27-26).  Another close game was therefore anticipated, with Sedgley Park determined to avenge the earlier defeat.

Somewhat out of character, of late anyway, Littleborough’s under 14s made a quick and impressive start and dominated in the forwards, both in attack and defence. 

This meant they were constantly on the front foot in the Sedgley half. The pressure was unrelenting and in the first half Littleborough crossed the line three times, Ben Crabtree scored two tries and Ruben Warburton scored one and two of the three were converted.

Towards the end of the half Sedgley did manage to secure some field position in the Littleborough half, and when they secured a penalty, offside, in front of the posts, and contrary to the under 14 rules, Sedgley opted to take penalty kick at goal. The penalty kick was successful meaning the Littleborough boys went in at half time leading by a score of 19-3.   

The boys started the second half as they played the first half and quickly extended the lead when Jake Coupe crashed over the line to score, after yet some more good play in the forwards, Thomas Kelly scored the conversion. 

This score seemed to have a negative effect on the lads as they started to rest on their laurels and the intensity levels dropped off, combined with a willingness to play out wide, rather than keeping it in the forwards where all the damage had been done, the boys repeatedly lost possession and found themselves on the back foot. 

They were made to pay dearly as Sedgley scored 26 unanswered points in the remainder of the second half. 

All of this meant that the Littleborough boys lost the match by a score of 26-29.

Well done to the Sedgley lads for the spirit they showed in the second half, but it was certainly a game of what could have been, hopefully the lesson has been learnt.

Our clubman of the week is Tyler Mills for taking all the advice on board from the coaches throughout the game, giving 100%, and contributing both in attack and defence, for only his fourth game of rugby he is progressing nicely.

Next week gives Littleborough the chance to make amends when they take on Rossendale at home in the Lancashire cup.

Squad:

Charlie Bell, Bradley Chrimes, Jake Coupe, Ben Crabtree, Harry Crabtree, James Devine, Ethan Dewhurst, James Furnell, Thomas Kelly, Olly Mills, Tyler Mills, Will Rawlinson, Max Risby, Ben Williams, and Ben Willocks.